Joseph Ellison Edwards, Jr.

Colonel Joseph Ellison Edwards, Jr., a distinguished retired Military officer, passed away on January 5, 2024 at the age of 75 in San Antonio, Texas. As a decorated veteran, Col. Edwards served in various roles during his 30-year, Air Force career, most notably fighter navigator and wing commander.

Joe was born in Tampa, Florida and lived in many different states as well as England and France, growing up as a military dependent. He graduated from the Paris American High School in France, of which he attended many reunions. He graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens on a full ROTC scholarship. Joe then began his lengthy military career as a fighter jet (F4) navigator and rose through the ranks to become wing commander. One of his favorite assignments was in Washington, DC where he was a military adjunct with the Australian Embassy. Colonel Edwards was awarded several awards and medals including the Air Force Legion of Merit Award and the National Defense Superior Service Medal.

Colonel Edwards has had many memorable experiences but none more than in June 2000. He retired from the Air Force on a Friday, got married to the beautiful Jane Profitt on Saturday, and experienced his first Father’s Day on Sunday with Dakota Profitt.

Among Joe’s many interests…golfing and photography would lead the list. One of his many goals was to play all the great golf courses of the world, which he nearly accomplished. (His vast collection of bag tags will attest to that!) Joe belonged to two golf groups, the RMGA and the Saturday Golf Gaggle. His family were the beneficiaries of his fabulous photographs, especially his annual “Joe’s World” calendar. Joe also was able to avail himself of one of his other passions at least once or twice a month…the theater. He volunteered at the Tobin Center for Performing Arts and the Majestic Theatre allowing him to be able to see all of the latest productions both musical and theatrical. Last but not least, the University of Georgia Bulldogs’ athletics provided him with much enjoyment. As the alumni president for San Antonio, it was his responsibility to make sure a Watch Party was provided for all of UGA’s televised games.

Joe was predeceased in death by his wife, Jane (2021); his father, Joseph E. Edwards, Sr. (2001); his mother, Wanda Cobb Edwards (2001); and his brother, Bruce Edwards (2009).

Joe is survived by his son Dakota Profitt and his wife, Chelsea and his grandsons, Jett and Silas. He will also be missed by his sisters Mary (Bob) Ingram of Chattanooga, TN and Susan (Craig)Thompson of Naples, FL. They have fond memories of their childhood growing up together around the US and Europe as dependents. Joe’s niece, Jaimie (Tim) Kelly of Cumming, Georgia will always remember their Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry. Nephews Kyle (Anna) Ingram of Naples, FL and Michael Ingram of St. Petersburg, FL loved hearing the Air Force tales from their “golfing” uncle. Matthew (Cindy)Thompson of Ft. Worth, TX, Scott Thompson of Arlington, VA, and Steven Thompson of Tampa, FL will miss riding the big roller coasters at the amusement parks, too. Joe’s great nieces, Honest and Giavanna will miss out on the chance to get to hear all of Uncle Joe’s wonderful stories. His many cousins from the Cobb’s and Edwards’ sides of the family have also expressed their deep condolences. Many of Joe’s “Band of Brothers” and their wives from the Air Force will also miss the camaraderie that they shared.

A military service will be held Friday, Feb. 2 at 2:45 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery (1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX.), Shelter #5. Following the service, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at The ARC Lakeside Building on Rhineland (enter at back gate, 8960 Miller Rd., San Antonio). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Boysville, Inc. (boysvilletexas.org), Fisher House, Inc. (fisherhouse.org), or SAMMinitries (www.samm.org).